Helenium grows in moist, low-lying meadows or at the edges ofdamp woodlands.
The blooms of helenium attractbutterfliesin late summer and fall.
The plants are characterized by lance-shaped foliage with stiff, upright stems.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Some taller cultivars need staking.
Helenium is planted in early spring.
Its simple charm suitscottage gardensand wildflower gardens.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Pair helenium plants with other moisture-loving ornamentals that peak late in the season likebeautyberryorhibiscus.
For the best effect, plant helenium in groups of three or five.
Place heleniums where they will enjoy moist conditions, but not in a boggy site.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Consider a rain garden site where moisture naturally collects, such as a low-lying area or beneath a downspout.
Well-draining soil is best, but heleniums are clay tolerant.
A 3-inch layer of organic mulch will conserve moisture.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Excessive fertilizer causes lanky growth.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage subsequent blooming.
After blooming, cut the flower stalks down to the foliage.
Blanket FlowerRüdiger Katterwe / Getty Images
Propagating Helenium
Helenium is easily grown from seed but can also be propagated through cuttings.
Select a container with large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
Keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in garden soil.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
In the spring, as soon as the frost danger has passed, remove the insulating layer.
How to Get Helenium to Bloom
Bloom Months
Helenium typically blooms between July and September.
How Long Does Helenium Bloom?
Yellow Coneflower500px / Getty Images
Under ideal conditions, it blooms for 1 to 2 months from the summer into the fall.
What do Helenium Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The daisy-like flowers resembleconeflowers,blanket flowers, andblack-eyed Susan flowers.
The flowers have no particular fragrance.
How to Encourage More Blooms
The reason for poor bloom is usually too much shade.
To get them blooming, move them to a sunnier spot.
Stop fertilizing them to see if that encourages more flowers.
Deadheading the spend flowers encourages more blooms.
Another major difference between the two is that echinacea is drought-tolerant and helenium isnt.
The common name of the plant comes from the former use of the dried leaves.
